Dear Pastor,

Congratulations on a job well done. I am a 21-year-old female living in Jamaica. I have a lot of issues I hope you can help me with. First, I really want to become a Christian before the end of the year because although I have a lot of problems in my life I know that God is keeping me each and every day and that is why I want to make the first step by becoming a true believer.

Second, I have been with my boyfriend for seven years and he is a selfish, unkind, non-communicative person. Every day I pray and ask God to send someone who loves me for who I am. I went to a celebration where I met a wonderful young man. To tell you the truth, I am the type of person who only speaks to people when my sprit says so and it told me to talk to that young man.

inseparable

Well, he is in his early 30's and he was born in the parish where I reside, but has been living overseas for some time. When he told me he had only one week left in Jamaica I became sad because I wanted to know more about him. To tell you the truth for the one week he had left, there was not a day that I did not hear from or see him. He came to my workplace and introduced me to his sisters, cousins, uncles, nieces and nephews. That was the best experience I have ever had because one of his sisters is my friend. It was a surprise to me because even though I am with my boyfriend for seven years, I only know his mother, brother and nephew and not by introduction either, but by seeing them come to his house. The young man has left the island but we are communicating by telephone on a daily basis.

I have more to tell you about myself but it would be a next time. Please pray for me and this young man because he communicates with me in a respectable manner and he has even told me on numerous occasions to believe in God and pray for our relationship to grow stronger each day. May God bless you.

G., Jamaica

Dear G.,

I am glad that you are desirous in becoming a Christian. I would suggest that you spend time reading the Gospel of John, especially the first six chapters. And that you pray and ask God to open your understanding and cause you to embrace Christ as your Saviour and Lord.

It seems to me you have found new love. However, I wish to remind you that some new relationships often make people excited. But as time goes by, they become cold. So, I suggest you go easy. Take everything step by step. Learn as much as you can about this man, but do not discuss him with his sister. Remember he is her brother and she is likely to take news to him about you, whether they are good or bad.

You should also consider ending the relationship with the man you describe as selfish, unkind and non-communicative.

Pastor